Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)

For measuring both the thermal and the mechanical properties, a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) is used. Temperature-dependent dimensional changes in solids, liquids and pastes determine the suitability of an application for a given material or provide information about the composition, structure and conditions of processing.

TMA measures these dimensional changes while allowing the sample to be subjected to an additional mechanical load (DIN 51005, ASTM E 831, ASTM D 696, and ASTM D 3386). This makes it possible to determine the thermal length change (with negligible mechanical load: dilatometry, DIN 51045) as well as the thermomechanical characteristics.

Instruments for thermomechanical analysis are applied in all areas from research and development to quality control. Typical domains include plastics and elastomers, thermosets, composite materials, adhesives, films and fibers, ceramics, glass and metals.

Thermal Expansion

The linear thermal expansion is an important variable for assessing the dimensional behavior of a material in response to a change in temperature.

This plot shows the thermal expansion (dL/L0 in %) of an epoxy resin between -70°C and 270°C. In the first heating (blue curve), the onset of the glass transition (Tg) occurs at 123°C. In the second heating (red curve), the onset of Tg is slightly shifted, to 125°C. This shift could be due to relaxation effects or post-curing.

Measurement on an epoxy resin with a sample length of 6 mm in expansion mode (fused silica sample holder); 1st and 2nd heating runs at a rate of 2 K/min.

NETZSCH TMA Systems

TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® - Thermomechanical Analyzer

What sets the TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® apart is the modular concept of interchangeable furnaces covering the temperature range from -150°C to 1550°C, which are also compatible with other NETZSCH instruments. A large number of sample holder types and adjustment possibilities are available. The TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® can be operated with a broad range of force, without added weight, digitally programmable from -3 N to 3 N.

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, provide social media features and analyze traffic to our website. By using this site you agree to the placement of cookies on your computer in accordance with the terms of our data protection policy.